Key Takeaway:
- Philadelphia health officials urged patients of Smiles at Rittenhouse Square to get tested for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C after unsanitary practices were uncovered.
- Investigators found reused anesthetic vials, improper sterilization procedures, and other infection-control violations at the dental clinic.
- Officials said the infection risk appears low, no confirmed cases have been linked to the clinic, and the office remains closed pending corrective action.
Philadelphia health officials are urging patients of a Center City dental clinic to undergo testing for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C after investigators found unsanitary practices that may have exposed hundreds of patients to infection.
Philadelphia health officials warn of potential exposure
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health on Wednesday advised patients treated at Smiles at Rittenhouse Square, also known as Smiles on the Square, to seek testing after an investigation uncovered infection-control violations at the clinic.
The dental office at 255 S. 17th St. in Philadelphia has been closed since the temporary suspension of the dentist’s license last week. State records identified the dentist as Kirti Chopra, though city officials did not publicly name her in their announcement.
According to state documents, Chopra admitted to reusing Septocaine anesthetic vials between patients and failing to replace single-use saline bags during implant procedures. Investigators also found staff used nonsterile gloves while handling sterilized instruments.
State records said the practices placed patients at risk for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and other bacterial or fungal infections.
Officials say infection risk appears low
Health officials said no infections linked to the clinic have been confirmed, but they warned the possibility of transmission remains.
“We’re working with the dentist office now to get a patient list, and we will be outreaching to all of those patients,” said James Garrow, deputy director of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
Garrow said the number of potentially affected patients could reach into the hundreds. Officials are seeking patients who visited the clinic between April 2025 and May 2026.
“The risk is not zero,” Garrow said. “We don’t think there’s a large chance, but there’s still a chance.”
City and state health officials conducted an unannounced inspection of the practice in March 2026 after learning of possible sanitation concerns. Officials have not disclosed how the investigation began.
Patients identified by the city will receive letters explaining the possible exposure and how to obtain testing. The health department also established a hotline for current and former patients with questions.
Dentist’s attorney says Chopra is cooperating
Attorney Michael Fienman said Chopra is cooperating with health authorities and focused on patient safety.
“Patient safety is the priority, and Dr. Chopra is cooperating with the Department of Public Health and the Pennsylvania Department of State,” Fienman said in a statement.
The statement noted that health officials believe the risk of infection is low and that no infections tied to the practice have been identified.
Fienman said Chopra would continue working with regulators on patient notification, testing recommendations, and infection-control measures. He added that the dentist would not discuss details publicly because the matter remains part of an active regulatory proceeding.
Philadelphia health officials said the clinic will remain closed until unsafe practices are corrected and the dentist’s license is restored. The department also plans to retrain clinic staff on infection-control standards.
